The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1887-03-11


visioued that the men mutiny." '-
''Bas Il the water gains upon the ship
you viii not be able to save her"
''Nos she must sink"
''What will you do thenF
'.Put you on shore or aboard another
ship" I replied. laughing at my own
evasion, for I knew what she meant
..Oh, of course. If we do not reach
the shore we shall none of rs be able
to do any thing" she said. dropping
her head, for she stood close enough to
the binnacle-light to ems BILE me to SEQ
her movements and almost catch the
expression of her face. Il mean what
will you do when We get ashore?"
II must try to get another ship"
ITO commando"
''Oh dear, no! as second mate, II
they'll have me-"
IF command of ship were given
you would you accept it,"
IF could. but l can't"
She asked, quickly. ''Why not?"
because have not passed an ex-
animation as master"
ALI at once it flashed upon me that
her father owned several ships. and
that her questions were preliminary to
her offering me the command of one of
them.
A momentary emotion Of d:sappoint-
ment, a resentment whereof I knew
not the meaning. through lacking the
leisure or the skill to analyze it, made
me turn and say:
''Would you like me to com mand
one of your ships, Miss Robertson
..Yes," she answered, promptly.
'.As = recompense for nv humane
efforts to preserve you from drown
ing?"
She withdrew her hand from nv
arm and inclined her head to look me
full in the face.
Mr.. Royle, never thought you
would speak to me like that"
II want no recompense for what l
have done, Miss Robertson"
Il have not offered you any recon-
pense."
..Let me feel" I said. THAT you
understand it is possible for an English
sailor to do his duty without ss>ing or
expecting any manner of reward.
The Humane Society's medals are not
for him."
why are you angry with me?" she
exclaimed, sinking her head. and
speaking with little sob in her voice.
Twas stirred to the heart by her
broken tones, and answered:
Il am not angry. could not be
angry with you. wish You to feel that
what have done, that whatever may
do is-is"-
faltered and stopped-an ignomin-
ious breakdown! though l think it
concealed the true secret of my resent
ment.
lowered my confusion by taking her
hand and resting it on my arm again.
'.DO YOU mean," she said. ''that all
you have done has been for my sake
only-out of humanity-that you would
10 as much for anybody else?"
mo-" said 1, boldly.
Again she withdrew her hand and
remained silent. and l made up my
mind not to interrupt her thoughts.
After few moments she went to the
ships side and stood there; sometimes
looking at the stars aud sometimes at
the water that stretched away into the
gloom into heavy breaking seas.
The wind was singing shriily up
aloft, but the sounds of the pumping
ceased on y sudden.
l awaited the approach of the boat
swain with inexpresSible anxiety.
After an interval l saw his figure come
up the poop-ladder.
Pumps suck!" he roarcd out.
''Hurrahr' l shouted. Down with
you for grog all round"' for the other
two were following the boatswain.
But they all came aft first and stood
near the wheel, blowing like whales.
and Miss Robertson joined the group.
shall take the wheel?" asked
Cornish.
mo: 60 and get some grog and turn
in. all of you. am "a fresh As y lark.
and will stay here till twelve o'clock,
1 replied.
The steward at once shuffled below.
'.Boatswain, ask Mr.. Royle to let
me take the Wheel" SAID Miss Robert
son. He has been talking to me for
the last half-hour. and sometimes held
the wheel with one hand. am sure
l can hold it"
LAS you won't go below. Miss Rob-
ertson. you shall steer; but l will stop
by you" said.
THAT will be of no uscr' she ex-
claimed.
Cornish smothered a laugh AMI
walked away.
Now. bosom. down with you" 1
crieL I'm have you up again short
" to sound the well. But half an
hours sleep is something. If you get
knocked up. lose half the ship COM
pany-two-Ahirds of it,
'.All right. SIR he replied. with
know how 20 settle this here business
of steering"
And of he went
You see how obed:ent these men
are, Miss Robertson Why will YOU
not obey orders, and get some Sleep"
Il have offended you. Mr.. Royle,
and am very. very sorry"
''Let US make peace, them" 1 said,
holding out my hand.
Size took it: but when had got her
hand, would not let it go for some
moments.
She WAS leaving the deck in silence,
when she came back and said:
IF we should have to leave this ship
suddenly, l should not like--it would
make me unhappy forever TO think Of
poor papa left in her"
She spoke, poor girl! with great eff
fort
answered, Immediately:
ANY wish You may express shall be
carried out"